Global alternatives manager ICG has hired Mathieu Paillat in the newly-created role of head of France for its European Corporate strategy, strengthening its presence in the key European market.

The manager’s European Corporate strategy partners with European businesses to deliver flexible solutions and support long-term value creation.

Paillat will lead European Corporate activities in France, where he will work closely with local management teams and the broader European platform to originate and execute investments, build relationships with corporate partners, and support the growth of this strategy.

Based in Paris, he will report into Hadj Djemai, head of Southern and Northern Europe at ICG.

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ICG appointed Paillat for his experience in the French market and his track record in corporate investing and stakeholder engagement.

He joins from PAI Partners, where he spent 23 years, and most recently served as a partner, investment committee member and head of its business services team.

“Mathieu’s appointment reflects our long‑term commitment to building a strong, locally‑led European Corporate platform,” said Benoît Durteste, chief executive officer and chief investment officer of ICG. 

“France is, and always has been, a key market for ICG – and we are delighted to be able to attract someone of Mathieu’s standing to lead our established team as we continue to drive our business forward and take advantage of the attractive opportunities our investment approach offers.”

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Paillat added: “ICG has built a highly differentiated proposition in the European market, both for LPs and for founders and management teams.

“The firm’s nearly 40-year track record of investing flexibly across the capital structure is reflected in its market leading position today. I look forward to working with colleagues across Europe to support further value creation for our investors.”

ICG manages $127bn in assets and invests its clients’ capital across structured capital, private equity secondaries, private debt, credit and real assets.

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